SoftBank Group has unveiled plans to build up to 5GW of AI data centre capacity in France, with a total investment that could reach €75bn ($87.4bn).
The company’s initial phase includes a €45bn commitment to establish 3.1GW of AI data centre capacity within the Hauts-de-France region.
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The development was announced in connection with the 2026 Choose France summit, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron.
According to SoftBank Group, this represents its largest investment in AI infrastructure within Europe to date.
The initiative is aimed at supporting the continued expansion of high-performance computing resources for AI companies, cloud providers, businesses, public agencies, and research entities.
The planned facilities are due to be located in Dunkirk (Loon-Plage), Bosquel, and Bouchain, with future sites to be identified elsewhere in France. Delivery of the first phase is scheduled for completion by 2031.
SoftBank Group will develop these data centres together with SB Energy and other strategic partners.
SoftBank Group chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son said: “AI is entering a new era, and the countries that build the infrastructure for this transformation will shape the future of technology, industry and society.
“SoftBank is proud to make this major commitment to France. With its industrial capabilities, talent base and national ambition, France is uniquely positioned to become a leading AI infrastructure hub in Europe.”
SoftBank Group has also disclosed an industrial partnership with Schneider Electric for a large-scale manufacturing cluster at the Port of Dunkirk.
Under the agreement, one facility operated by SoftBank Group will manufacture enclosures, while Schneider Electric will operate a second site focused on integrating data centre power modules.
The partnership will combine SoftBank Group’s robotics and automation with Schneider Electric’s experience in industrial systems and local supply chains. The Japanese company anticipates the investment will generate thousands of skilled roles in development, engineering, energy systems, robotics, operations, maintenance, and manufacturing.
